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NAMPA -- A man recently visited the small food pantry at the First Assembly of God Church in Caldwell. Unemployed, he had run out of money and needed to feed his family.

"He was crying," said Anne Foster, the director of the food pantry. "He said he'd never had to ask for help before. It's overwhelming when a grown man cries because he needs food for his children."

Food pantry directors across Canyon County are reporting unprecedented demand for donated food this year, and officials say the demand comes from hardworking people who simply can't make ends meet in the tough economy.

They may have lost their jobs, or they may have jobs that don't pay enough for rent, gas and food.

"The sad part is that these are working families. We've got people coming in who were giving help before, and they're needing help now," said Major Bill Hathorn of the Salvation Army in Nampa.

The number of people using the Salvation Army's food pantry has doubled this year, and about 70 families use the service each day. The pantry has had a hard time meeting the demand, Hathorn said, and the shelves would be bare save for a recent food drive headed by the Boy Scouts.

Mouths to feed

In Caldwell, at the Oasis Worship and Food Center, demand for donated goods at the weekly food distribution has grown gradually over the last 10 years, and spiked in the past two years, Pastor Royce Wright said. The food center now provides food for between 170 and 200 families a week.

"We're dealing with a new segment of the working poor," Wright said.

An average family has to make about $16 an hour to pay for all their needs, he explained, but most jobs in Canyon County pay less than that. Families can pay the bills if both parents are working. However, if one parent loses a job, a family can be left hungry at the end of the month.

In addition to more people visiting the food center this year, Wright said, they also use the food service for a longer time.

Before, a family might take food for three to six months before they get on their feet again. But now, they're more likely to return for a year or more.

Can't get food stamps

There are about 25 food pantries in Canyon County. Run by churches and non-profit organizations, they distribute donated food, much of it collected by the Boise-based Idaho Foodbank.

Demand for donated food in Idaho has increased by 93 percent since 2008, and in the last fiscal year, the Foodbank distributed 10.5 million pounds of food, or the equivalent of 9.2 million meals.

The increased demand points to food insecurity -- when individuals or families don't have access to food for a healthy lifestyle -- as a result of the declining economy, Foodbank CEO Karen Vauk said. About one in six Idahoans are "food insecure," according to research compiled by the Foodbank. Of those, 42 percent live above the government poverty line.

These people can't access government support programs, such as food stamps, but they also can't afford all the groceries they need, Vauk said.

"We're looking at a larger number of people in need. And they are not necessarily those in poverty. We're finding that they are individuals and families who live above the poverty line and still can't make ends meet," she said.

It bothers me tremendously, you may not see it but myself and my business do a LOT to support and help fill the shelves in local food banks. I prefer to help LOCAL organizations though i.e. church food banks rather than the ones who you referenced.

Any time a "charity" has a CEO they have morphed into something too corrupt and shady for me to believe in or support.

I wonder if those who support the Idaho food bank really know where their donations are going?

That is over HALF A MILLION DOLLARS that could have gone to truly help these people instead of lining the pckets of ONE PERSON and a CHICAGO "contractor"

Please don't take MY opinion on this, please feel free to read it for yourself from their own web site. The data on salary and "contractor compensation" is on their form 990 which is required by LAW or you can bet that info. would not be so easily accessible.

Bothers me alot. I have worked 2 jobs for the last 10 years to make ends meet. I truly sympathize with these folks. And I agree, when someone becomes CEO, it isn't helping any more.

I worked for the Community Action Agency here in town years ago, and it was frustrating to me knowing those that were "over" the income lines, couldn't get help. Seniors who had to choose their Prescriptions or food/heat. That is wrong.

I dont know what will happen, but I and I bet lots of you know some answers. But we won't be listened to.

Jessie

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Sun, Nov 20, 2011, at 10:31 AM

I didn't do this blog to support the Food Bank in any way shape or form. I support LOCAL organizations. I am glad to see that you do your part to help. I re-posted the entire article, I didn't reference the food bank, the article did. Would you please stop reading things into the things I say or post. That creates too many arguments. Would you rather I cherry pick out of an article?

It seems from your second paragraph on, that your post was meant to be argumentative. Sorry, just the way I see it.

-- Posted by royincaldwell on Sun, Nov 20, 2011, at 10:38 AM

There's many ways now days why people are struggling to buy groceries,medications and pay their bills. People out of work, lost their homes, and prices on the rise for our needy things in life. Like food, heat, water, medications, Doctors just to name a few...

It irks me when I see comments on these blogs, about the bums who milk the system. I bet there are more people in need then there are those that try to get something for free !

I was going to mail a check to the Idaho Food Bank, but after reading your story Roy and Jessie's comment, I think I will mail it to a church or give it to the welfare office.....

We have done something now for many years. Whenever we have something we no longer want, except for clothing we set it out in front of our house and put a "FOR FREE" sign on it. Some one always comes a long and takes it. Just last month we set a vacuum cleaner out there because we got a new one. The old one worked just fine and within hours a lady took it and as she was leaving in her car, she waved and said thank you...

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Sun, Nov 20, 2011, at 10:53 AM

Jessie, thanks for your input. Hungry is hungry! A hungry child? HOW DARE WE AS COUNTRY!!!

MEDS OR FOOD? AGAIN HOW DARE WE!

There are answers, but your right, we wont be listened to. Ridiculed, maybe, but listened to, ????

-- Posted by royincaldwell on Sun, Nov 20, 2011, at 10:59 AM

MsM, just be sure that whoever you choose to support doesn't ask, HOW MUCH DID YOU EARN LAST MONTH OR LAST YEAR. SEE MY LAST POST.

There are many worthy organizations that feed the hungry, both faith based and community based. They are the ones that need support.

-- Posted by royincaldwell on Sun, Nov 20, 2011, at 11:03 AM

Roy,

We will always have a conflict in one form or another between us if you always assume I am trying to be argumentive and REACT to my postings rather than take them for what I state.

You notice I didn't cut and paste anything besides links. I posted my opinion on what happens when a "charity" becomes a money making scheme and did so to hopefully point out that it is not ok to just take everything you read online at face value.

I have donated to the Combined Federal Campaign for years and they actually have a way you can SEE how much of your donation goes to those who you intend it for and how much goes into what they call "administrative costs"

THAT is the point of my post but somehow because the information came from me you are quick to assume I am trying to argue with you.

NOR did I "read anything into what you posted" I provided information that many people don't see but when they are made aware of it they tend to become more skeptical of organized "charities/corporations" and put more effort into researching for themselves.

One thing to consider is the statistics provided by the Idaho Food Bank, considering that THEIR income (salary) and that of their "contractors" is directly proportionate to donations, would it be that much of a stretch to consider they may SKEW those figures to encourage more donations?

Food for thought, I would only ask that you read it without automatically dismissing the source (me).

-- Posted by cant justwatch on Sun, Nov 20, 2011, at 11:28 AM

fair enough

-- Posted by royincaldwell on Sun, Nov 20, 2011, at 11:41 AM

CJW......I COULD CHERRY PICK THERE REPORTS....i prefer not to ....with that said,considering the total picture it would appear they do a pretty good job.I did take the time to read all the numbers. I kinder get simple with it 2 to get 18 I can deal with that.When you look at the total responsibility of the ceo and the vastness of this operation and argument could be made that she is underpaid.YES for me anything can be tweaked and nothing is perfect. Had some questions on assets ,but overall ok.

THERE could be and ideological argument between churches and the food bank etc.But for a central organization which churches support they get it done.My opinion is that the faith based organizations are great but they cannot fill the void.IT'S TO big and diversivied,like it or not.MY THOUGHTS ONLY.

-- Posted by lamont on Sun, Nov 20, 2011, at 2:26 PM

So....how do you guys feel about the ones you see in line at Wally-World and other places, paying for TWO carts FULL of groceries with Food Stamps, while their wallets & purses bulging with hundred dollar bills?

If you guys HAVEN'T seen that, you aren't awake.

-- Posted by bazookaman on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 10:22 AM

Zook,

That kind of stuff is exactly why our economy is in the toilet to STAY... Those people believe society OWES THEM.... Thanks to the generational welfare and all the lies and excuses to perpetuate it. I like what I recently heard Newt say about the "occupy" idiots...

Go "occupy" a JOB, but first TAKE A BATH!

-- Posted by cant justwatch on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 10:36 AM

Next time you see that why don't you ask them why they don't pay for their food with the money in their purse? Your a tax payer go for it instead of complaining :)

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 10:59 AM

MsM,

You and I both know it isn't as SIMPLE as you attempt to make it out to be. If a person were to approach someone they identified as abusing the system the knee jerk response is always the same.

Attempt to silence the accuser by GUILT and belittling, trying to accuse them of being heartless and uncaring, accuse them of not caring for their community.

All very similiar to the attempts that were made in the past to silence Opinion Missy when she repeatedly pointed out the disaster known as the WECRD, which by the way STILL exists and is STILL a tax LEECHING disaster!

The only smart and reasonable approach is to FIX the system, implement stricter requirements for access.

(honestly if they have to WORK every day for the asisstance they would be a whole lot more likely to find a job wouldn't they?)

3) encourage state employees to get people OFF of aid vice protecting their own jobs by ADDING more persons to the system.

I challenge you to take an honest look at some of those receiving aid, how many of them appear to be going hungry?

(take that comment/question however you please it was not meant to be "politically correct" I drove past a certain local "agency" recently and didn't see a single "skinny" person in that line, if there were any there I could not see that forest for all those "trees")

How many of those receiving tax dollars or "aid" have nice cellular phones? Nice cars?

I have said it before and will say it again, if you have a nice car and NEED money, SELL IT! and pay your own rent... Buy your own groceries... If you are collecting tax dollars or "aid" and have a nice cellular phone and plan, GET RID OF IT! pay your own rent... buy your own groceries...

When you think about it those sentiments are not harsh or heartless at all, I simply agree with the thought that EVERYONE should pay their fair share!

-- Posted by cant justwatch on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 2:42 PM

First off I would say how do you know their purse or wallet is bulging with $100. bills ?

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 3:58 PM

MsM,

I didn't specifically make that comment, but I HAVE in the past as I commented on here before seen persons buying boatloads of candy, chips, ice cream, and soda on food stamp "credit cards" also have seen a lot of nice vehicles NICER than what I own, driven by persons using FS credit card, and texting, talking on cel phones.

What do you have to say about the remainder of my comments/questions?

-- Posted by cant justwatch on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 4:04 PM

I guess I don't understand the argument here... cantjustwatch points out something very credible and it's the same type of thing my wife and I experienced while handing out food boxes last week through our church. Some absolutely needed them, no question about it. And yet these were the people that also seemed so grateful. Some of these folks didn't even want to take it, but we made them.

Then you had others show up, driving cars with Mexico license plates. One very obese woman in a horrific dress that I can only describe as a "moo moo gone wild" came in talking on a smart phone and didn't even have the manners to hang it up as she demanded a basket. If this sort of thing is happening right here in our town, you can bet it's happening across the country. I'm all for helping someone in real need out. I'm not for providing for someone that's figured out how to bilk the system.

-- Posted by Buckshot61 on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 5:38 PM

Your not opinionated are ya Buckshot61?......:) I bet your a handsome guy that dresses real classy and is never rude!

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 5:44 PM

I have screamed this.......The administrators need to do there jobs.There are some who will beat the system there always are.JUunk food unfortunatly is coded based on its "nutrienal content".THE CK OUT MACHINES WILL REJECT SOME ITEMS THERE NEEDS TO BE A BETTER PROGRAM.The money in wallets is simple they get paid in cash therefore we all loose no records no taxes,no insurance no reported source of income,and so the employer is PART of the crime.THEY DIDNT HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT THERE EMPLOYER TELLS THEM.I will not alibi the ones who bilk the system but I will not say that they are alone in the crime.While we are at it get the focuse off the hispanics there are just as many whites,blacks,asians on the program.There all doing the same thing.DONT believe me go ask the checkout people they will tell you.The cash economy has always been and underground force,problem is the IRS focueses on the wrong people.

CJW some of the things you say are very real the solutions have been offered.The folks in charge arnt listening,the state is allowed to take enforcement serious they dont want to.

-- Posted by lamont on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 6:48 PM

What I look like, what I dress like is not the issue. MsMarylin. The lady's smartphone was the real issue, understand? Tell me, do you always feel this threatened by other's posts? Opinionated? Less than you it would seem. I actually SAW the person, you didn't. How rude.

-- Posted by Buckshot61 on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 7:26 PM

lamont, did you lose focus on what I said like MsMarylin did? The issue was NOT skin color, the issue was license plates on cars from MEXICO. You know, ever since that rude guy signed on here, I'm seeing a real ugliness coming out in certain people. What's the deal? Can you not just take my comment for what it is, rather than trying to make a racial comment out of it? Illegal aliens was the real point, lamont.

-- Posted by Buckshot61 on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 7:31 PM

Oh I see it was her smartphone that offended you.... Let's see I gave that to her for her Birthday and I'm paying for the service on it.... Why because she has NO Job ! And her genetics make her over weight she doesn't eat that much and the dress she was wearing was given to her......

AND YES I am opinionated but I try really hard not to be judgemental ! The car didn't belong to her, it was a way for her to get there for the food....

I don't take silly comments like yours as being threatened !

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 8:15 PM

Judging by your silly posts, MsMarylin, I guess you also gave her the arrogant and obnoxious attitude she had.

-- Posted by Buckshot61 on Mon, Nov 21, 2011, at 8:48 PM

Enough! Please!

I started a NON POLITICAL BLOG and look where it is now.

One big number that was released lately.

68k Idahoans unemployed, 19k total jobs offered.

Let's get back on track please.

Children are going to bed hungry every night and many elderly DO have to choose between food and meds.

These are facts and not speculation!

What reason is there for some people to turn away from the intent of this blog, and make it what it is now??? WHAT DEFENSE DO YOU OFFER????

I know I'm not going to make any friends for this, but things were going fairly smooth until this morning. Why is that? I'd say more, but that would be out of line on my part.

SORRY ROY.......FELL INTO THE TRAP AND GOT ON THE FOOD BANK ORGANIZATION,CEO ETC.YOU ARE RIGHT

The problem I HAVE WITH IT ALL is the people you are talking about will not qualify based on the rules for anything.From a sociological stand point, food insecurity will have a big impact on crime and some other things that deal with children.The ends meet thing has been creeping in since 2005-6 for sure it has now started to come out of the shadow because it is impacting people who have not been impacted before.To be truthfull I think the NUMBERS ARE HIGHER YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHOS PRIDE WILL KEEP THEM IN THE SHADOW........ got to go got things to do

-- Posted by lamont on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 9:17 AM

And all this is just a prime example....

It's interesting to just sit back and watch.

-- Posted by ktlm on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 9:55 AM

Until you actually know that lady's circumstances you cannot judge. If she had 2 carts of food and was using food stamps she might have 6 kids at home to feed. And some $100. bills in her purse did you ever think that maybe that was money to pay her rent and her utilities or car insurance or car payment, also used for gas in her car so she can get to wal mart to use her food stamp card to put food in her house? Instead you would rather believe she has tons of money and is milking the system. You see I don't judge people unless I know them and I know their situation......

My Grandson gets $52.00 a month in food stamps. Do you think that is fun? Heck No he most the time has to come over to our house to eat......And he has NO Car, NO Medical, No Savings, and No Job, but he is looking for a job every day. How do I know that, I help him fill out job applications.....

Church taught me way back when I was a young girl to not be judgemental ! God is our Judge and Jury not you and not me.

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 11:05 AM

CJW, it's not the different opinions, it's how they are stated! Remember it's not what you say, but how you say it.

-- Posted by royincaldwell on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 11:19 AM

I looked over the audits, looks to me that based on a percentage of revenue, the administrative cost is about 2.5%.

Anyone else come up with something?

I'll email the IFB and ask them.

-- Posted by Dave Thompson on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 12:04 PM

I thought the links I added were pertinent, even though they don't go right to the heart of the matter.

I'm sorry if the shoe pinches your foot, Cinderella.

-- Posted by Dave Thompson on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 12:18 PM

See? We can get along.

-- Posted by Dave Thompson on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 12:24 PM

It's true, the one time he is referring to, a person at checkout with 2 carts of food bein paid for by food stamps, while money in the wallet is for rent/medicine etc...

BUT none of us got to this age without KNOWING that the abuse is out there ...and unfortunately, more ofte than not. Forgive us our judgements, but we are human. After awhile, it gets old.

Drug testing would help. just sayin

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 12:29 PM

Drug testing is good but what about those getting help that consume alcohol and smoke cigarettes?

I have always known abuse is out there, I would be very nieve if I thought different, but I have also learned not to assume when I see a situation that might not be what I am seeing..... My Grandson has a cell phone, now if you seen him talking on it, you would think he owns a cell phone that he bought and paid for and pays each month for the service on it. Nope I pay for the service he has. Why do I do that, because it's my way to get in touch with him.

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 12:59 PM

I agree that program abuse is out there.

My wife saw abuse of the system she worked with, and she saw the program being abused by a former employer and by a few of their customers as well.

She feels her former employer encouraged employees to use unethical behavior to convince customers to remain on their service, when in fact there was no need for those customers to retain their services.

Unfortunately for her former employers, she didn't cave to their pressure and would release from service those customers who did not demonstrate a need.

However, the majority of her former customers are in desperate need of help.

-- Posted by Dave Thompson on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 1:01 PM

Alcohol testing, randomly.

As far as what I see. hmmmmm... I can tell the difference of character. You can argue that point, but My opinion is what I usually go with. I can SEE abuse. And forgive me, sometimes I judge. I'm not rude, but I know how I feel.

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 1:27 PM

I GOT ABOUT 25% DAVE......LIKE I SAID A FAR FLONG ORGANIZARION.I THINK THE POINT IS WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN.I would have to say based on the parent who qualifies we can only hope the person is doing the best they can by the child,i am sure there is abuse there also however I cannot make that assumption without first hand knowledge.Most parents will feed the children before they eat.

DAVE YOU CONFIRMED SOME OF THE THINGS I SAID .my PROBLEM IS THE PEOPLE WHO DONT HAVE COPING SKILLS,THOSE WHO DONT KNOW HOW TO PINCH A PENNY BECAUSE THEY NEVER HAD TO ETC.......that part of this is not a joke and will impact the kids as well as adults.Some may think that is out in left field it is not.Some do not have a clue how to cook a nutious meal with limited food stuff and they wont ask, again PRIDE.....

-- Posted by lamont on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 3:28 PM

Now the question is, why has this happened in the first place, why is it getting worse, and what can we do about it as individuals. I am referring to meds or food, and children going to bed hungry.

-- Posted by royincaldwell on Tue, Nov 22, 2011, at 5:51 PM

royincaldwell is the voice of reason in his post above. Wish I had a solution to the problem of joblessness, hunger and poor medical care. Don't think you'll find the solution here but you certainly have enabled a thread of humorous banter of the likes I haven't seen since 3rd grade.